Fungsi Dan Signifikan Penciptaan Parang Ilang Dalam Budaya Masyarakat Iban Di Sarawak

The Function and Significance of the Creation of Ilang Machete in the Culture of the Iban Community in Sarawak

Abstract

Abstrak: Parang Ilang merupakan sejenis senjata tradisional yang memainkan peranan penting dalam kebudayaan material masyarakat Iban. Kajian ini dilakukan berdasarkan sejarah mengenai fungsi dan signifikan penciptaan parang Ilang dalam budaya masyarakat Iban. Ia dikaji melalui peradaban masyarakat Iban dan kebudayaan yang menjadi mercu tanda keagungan dan kegemilangan dalam menzahirkan ketamadunan mereka di Sarawak. Parang Ilang yang disimpan dan dimiliki oleh masyarakat Iban mempunyai nilai yang sangat signifikan sehingga diklasifikasikan sebagai warisan dan pusaka mereka. Walau bagaimanapun, pelbagai faktor telah mengubah corak kebudayaan masyarakat Iban semasa era kolonialisme. Tambahan pula, pembangunan moden serta arus globalisasi yang melanda kehidupan masyarakat Iban memperlihatkan ketidakupayaan untuk memahami fungsi dan signifikan penciptaan parang Ilang terdahulu dalam budaya mereka. Kajian ini meneliti signifikan penciptaan parang Ilang terdahulu dalam konteks budaya Iban. Parang Ilang bukan sahaja digunakan sebagai alat pertahanan dan perburuan, malah sebagai simbol status sosial dan keberanian. Ia sering dijadikan sebagai simbol kekuatan oleh pahlawan sebagai tanda keperwiraan dan semangat juang. Selain itu, parang Ilang juga digunakan dalam upacara dan ritual adat Iban. Melalui analisis sejarah, budaya, dan sosial, kajian ini berusaha mendalami fungsi dan signifikan penciptaan parang Ilang dalam mengekalkan identiti dan warisan budaya masyarakat Iban. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif berbentuk etnografi yang didasari oleh kerja lapangan melalui kaedah pemerhatian dan temu bual dengan informan yang pakar dalam adat dan budaya Iban. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa penciptaan parang Ilang memainkan peranan yang sangat signifikan dalam mengukuhkan identiti budaya masyarakat Iban, serta dalam menghubungkan generasi muda dengan warisan nenek moyang mereka.

Abstract: Ilang machete is a type of traditional weapon that plays an important role in Iban material culture. This study is based on the history of Ilang machete which is about its function and significance in Iban culture. It is based on the civilization of the Iban community and the culture that is a landmark of majesty and glory in revealing their civilization in Sarawak. Ilang machete that is kept and owned by the Iban community has a very significant value so much so that it is classified as their heritage and heirloom. However, various factors have changed the cultural pattern of the Iban community during the era of colonialization. Furthermore, modern development as well as globalization currents that hit the lives of the Iban community show the inability to understand the function and significance of the creation of Ilang machete in their culture. This study examines the function and significance of the creation of Ilang machete in the context of Iban culture. Ilang machete is not only used as a defense and hunting tool, but also as a symbol of social status and bravery. It is often used as a symbol of strength by warriors as a sign of bravery and fighting spirit. In addition, Ilang machete is also used in traditional Iban ceremonies and rituals. Through historical, cultural, and social analysis, this study seeks to deepen the function and significance of the creation of Ilang machete in maintaining the identity and cultural heritage of the Iban community. This study uses a qualitative approach in the form of ethnography based on field work through the method of observation and interviewing informants who are experts in Iban customs and culture. The results of the study found that Ilang machete plays a very significant role in strengthening the cultural identity of the Iban community, as well as in connecting the younger generation with the heritage of their ancestors.